Welcome to SEIU Local 200United’s Collaboration with Consumer Reports
Service Employees International Union Local 200United is collaborating with Consumer Reports to bring union members, retirees and their families important healthcare information from the Choosing Wisely and High Value Care campaigns.
Informed patients make smarter choices. Patients can be safer, save money, avoid hassles and get better sooner if they know how and where to shop for their medical care. With the information on these pages in hand, millions of Americans can make smarter decisions for themselves and their families.
Think you need an EKG as part of your annual exam? How about getting an MRI or CT scan for your headaches? Or antibiotics for that sinus infection that’s bugging you?
While these tests and treatments are commonly prescribed, they’re also frequently overused and not needed. By one estimate, up to one-third of U.S. healthcare spending goes for unneeded medical services. It’s not just wasteful; it can also be personally risky to your health.
Through this initiative, Local 200United members and their families have access to high-quality Consumer Reports articles that can be used as the basis for important discussions with their doctors. Everyone can be safer, save money, avoid hassles, and get better sooner if they know how and where to shop for medical care.
Click the tabs at left for reports about tests, treatments, drugs, supplements, doctors and hospitals.
Contact us for information about this campaign.
Tests and Treatments
High Value Care reports
Put your health-care money where it matters.
High Value Care is a series initiated by the American College of Physicians. These are consumer-friendly versions of reports first published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Each PDF file may be read here, printed or downloaded to the user’s own device.
- It seems like getting an X-ray, CT scan or MRI to find the cause would be a good idea.
- English: Imaging Tests for Back Pain (ACP)
- Spanish: Estudios por imágenes para el dolor en la parte baja de la espalda
- Plain English: Imaging Tests for Back Pain (ACP)
- Video: Imaging Tests for Back Pain (ACP)
- Video: Pruebas de imágenes para el dolor de espalda
- The best drug choice usually isn't one of the newer, heavily advertised ones.
- English: Type 2 Diabetes Drugs (ACP)
- Spanish: Cómo elegir un medicamento para la diabetes tipo 2
- Plain English: Type 2 Diabetes Drugs (ACP)
- People with heartburn often undergo a procedure called endoscopy to see if GERD is the cause.
- English: Upper Endoscopy for GERD (ACP)
- Spanish: Endoscopia superior para agruras frecuentes o Enfermedad por Reflujo Gastroesofágico (GERD)
- Plain English: Upper Endoscopy for GERD (ACP)
Imaging Tests for Back Pain (ACP)
Type 2 Diabetes Drugs (ACP)
Upper Endoscopy for GERD (ACP)
Choosing Wisely reports
Do you really need that test? You might be surprised.
Choosing Wisely helps doctors and patients together avoid needless and even harmful procedures. The ABIM Foundation and medical specialty groups have created lists of avoidable procedures. Consumer Reports has in turn created these patient-oriented reports.
Each PDF file may be read here, printed or downloaded to the user’s own device.
- Some tests and treatments won’t help older adults. They may even be harmful, especially near the end of life.
- Plain English: Advice for Caregivers: Treatments and Tests for Seniors
- Spanish: Consejos para los cuidadores
- If you don’t have symptoms or a medical evaluation that points to allergy, think twice about skin or blood tests.
- Plain English: Allergy Tests
- Spanish: Pruebas para Alergias
- If you're having memory problems, your doctor should look for other causes before ordering a brain scan.
- Plain English: Alzheimer’s Disease Testing (SNMMI)
- Spanish: Pruebas para la enfermedad de Alzheimer
- In most cases of middle ear infection, antibiotics are not needed. Here's what to do instead.
- Plain English: Antibiotics for Ear Infections in Children (AAFP)
- Spanish: Antibióticos para infecciones del oído en niños
- Antibiotic eye drops or ointments don’t usually help with conjunctivitis. In fact, they can do more harm than good.
- Plain English: Antibiotics For Pink Eye (AAO)
- Spanish: Antibióticos para la conjuntivitis
- Most of the time, children don't need antibiotics for sore throat, cough or runny nose.
- Plain English: Antibiotics for Respiratory Illness in Children (AAP)
- Spanish: Antibióticos para garganta irritada, tos o nariz tapada
- Many older people get antibiotic treatment for urinary tract infections when they don't need it.
- Plain English: Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections in Older People (AGS)
- Spanish: Antibióticos para las infecciones de las vías urinarias en personas mayores
- There are risks to using antibiotics needlessly on your skin. And there are better ways to control eczema and help your skin heal.
- Plain English: Antibiotics For Your Skin (AAD)
- Spanish: Antibióticos para la piel
- When and how to use antibiotics to help you and your loved ones avoid drug resistance.
- Plain English: Antibiotics: When You Need Them and When You Don't
- Plain English: Antibiotics: When You Need Them and When You Don't (Complete Package)
- Spanish: Antibióticos: Cuándo se necesitan y cuándo no
- Powerful antipsychotic drugs should not be the first choice for people with dementia. Here's why.
- Plain English: Treating disruptive behavior in people with dementia
- Spanish: Tratamiento del comportamiento problemático en personas con demencia
- Studies show that staying in bed longer than 48 hours won’t help with lower-back pain.
- Plain English: Bed Rest for Lower-Back Pain (NASS)
- Spanish: Tratamiento del dolor en la parte baja de la espalda
- If you’re not at higher risk for weak bones, you should think twice about the bone-density test. Here’s why.
- Plain English: Bone-Density Tests
- Spanish: Pruebas de Densidad de los Huesos
- In contrast with surgical or "open" biopsy, a needle biopsy is easier on the body.
- Plain English: Breast Biopsy (CoC)
- Spanish: Biopsia del seno
- Some tests, treatments, and procedures are not only unnecessary, they can even prove harmful.
- English: Cancer Tests and Treatments (ASCO)
- In some cases, especially in healthy people without chest pain, you should be cautious about the tests.
- English: Cardiac Imaging (ASNC)
- Although it is hard to accept, the best thing for you may be to stop treatment for the cancer.
- Plain English: Care at the End of Life for Advanced Cancer Patients (ASCO)
- Spanish: Cuidados al fin de la vida para pacientes con cáncer avanzado
- Having some blockage in a carotid artery doesn't automatically mean you should have artery-clearing surgery.
- Plain English: Carotid Artery Surgery (AAN)
- Spanish: Cirugía de la arteria carótida
- If you don’t have signs or symptoms of heart or lung disease, think twice about having a pre-operative X-ray.
- Plain English: Chest X-rays before surgery (ACR)
- Spanish: Radiografía del tórax antes de una cirugía
- Video: Do You Need a Chest X-ray Before Surgery?
- If you are age 75 or older and you haven’t had symptoms of heart disease, statins may be a bad idea.
- Plain English: Cholesterol Drugs for People Over 75 (AMDA)
- Spanish: Medicamentos para el colesterol para personas mayores de 75 años
- Even a very good test can be done too often.
- English: Colonoscopy (AGA)
- For children with head injuries, a CT scan often is not needed.
- Plain English: CT Scans for Children with Head Injuries (AAP)
- Spanish: Tomografías (CTscans) para niños con lesiones en la cabeza
- The CT scan, used to look for early signs of lung cancer, is not useful for many smokers.
- Plain English: CT Scans to Find Lung Cancer in Smokers (CHEST/ATS)
- Spanish: Tomografías (CT scans) para detectar cáncer de pulmón en fumadores
- It's not necessary to replace fillings that contain mercury.
- Plain English: Dental Fillings that Contain Mercury (ACMT, AACT)
- Spanish: Empastes dentales que contienen mercurio
- Think twice about treating migraine attacks with opioids or butalbital.
- Plain English: Drugs for Migraine Headaches (AAN)
- Spanish: Tratamiento de migrañas
- The older, "non-biologic" drugs are a better first choice for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
- Plain English: Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis (ACR)
- Spanish: Cómo tratar la artritis reumatoide
- When do you need CSFs? When don't you need them?
- Plain English: Drugs to Prevent Infection During Chemotherapy (ASCO)
- Spanish: Medicamentos para aumentar los glóbulos blancos en pacientes con cáncer que reciben quimioterapia
- To hurry a baby’s birth can increase the risk of serious problems for both you and your baby.
- Plain English: Early Delivery (ACOG, AAFP)
- Spanish: Al dar a luz a su bebé
- If you’re having surgery, you may wonder if you need an echocardiogram first.
- Plain English: Echocardiogram Before Surgery (ASE)
- Spanish: Un ecocardiograma antes de una cirugía
- When do you need an echocardiogram?
- Plain English: Echocardiograms for Valve Disease (ACC)
- Spanish: Ecocardiografía para valvulopatías cardíacas
- Sometimes the echocardiogram imaging test is done very soon after heart valve surgery, while you are still in the hospital. Usually that's not useful.
- Plain English: Echocardiography After Valve Surgery (STS)
- Spanish: Un ecocardiograma después de una cirugía para reemplazar una válvula cardíaca
- EKGs or exercise stress tests usually aren't necessary for people without symptoms.
- Plain English: EKGs and Exercise Stress Tests (AAFP)
- Spanish: Los electrocardiogramas (ECG) (EKG) y las pruebas de esfuerzo durante el ejercicio
- Video: EKGs and Exercise Stress Tests (AAFP)
- Video: Los EKG y las pruebas de estrés por ejercicio — No son indicadas para todos
- Feeding tubes sometimes do more harm than good. Here’s why.
- Plain English: Feeding Tubes for People with Alzheimer’s (AGS, AAHPM)
- Spanish: Sondas de Alimentación para las personas con Alzheimer
- Five common physical therapy treatments can lead to harm, more tests, and greater costs.
- Plain English: Five Physical Therapy Treatments You Probably Don’t Need (APTA)
- Spanish: Terapia Física
- You probably don't need that yearly checkup. In fact, it can do more harm than good.
- Plain English: Health Checkups (SGIM)
- Spanish: Exámenes médicos
- If you’re having surgery, you may wonder if you need a heart imaging test first to make sure it is safe.
- Plain English: Heart Imaging Before Surgery (ACC)
- Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes del corazón antes de una cirugía
- Stress tests usually aren’t helpful if you don’t have heart problems.
- Plain English: Heart Stress Tests Before Chest Surgery (STS)
- Spanish: Pruebas de esfuerzo del corazón antes de una cirugía de tórax
- If you don't have heart problems, you probably don't need a heart test before an operation.
- Plain English: Heart imaging tests before surgery
- Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes del corazón antes de una cirugía
- Home apnea monitors give little or no protection from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome.
- Plain English: Home apnea monitors for SIDs (AAP)
- Spanish: Monitores caseros para la apnea para el SIDS
- Many people who use long-term home oxygen therapy don’t need it.
- Plain English: Home Oxygen After a Hospital Stay (CHEST/ATS)
- Spanish: Oxígeno en casa después de una estadía en el hospital
- When do cancer experts recommend imaging tests and tumor marker tests?
- Plain English: Imaging and Blood Tests in Early Breast Cancer (ASCO)
- Spanish: Pruebas de marcadores tumorales y de imágenes para el cáncer de seno
- If you’ve had bypass surgery or a stent inserted to open a blocked artery, do you need regular imaging tests?
- Plain English: Imaging Tests After a Heart Procedure (ACC)
- Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes después de un procedimiento cardíaco
- It seems like getting an X-ray, CT scan or MRI to find the cause would be a good idea.
- Plain English: Imaging Tests for Back Pain
- Spanish: Pruebas radiológicas debido a dolor en la parte baja de la espalda
- It's not always a good idea to get all the tests that are available. You may not need them.
- Plain English: Imaging Tests for Early Prostate Cancer (ASCO)
- Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes para el cáncer de próstata en su etapa temprana
- Many with severe headaches want a CT scan or MRI to see if they have a tumor or other serious problem.
- Plain English: Imaging Tests for Headaches (ACR)
- Spanish: Pruebas de Imágenes para Dolores de Cabeza
- If you are a healthy person without symptoms, you should think twice about having these tests.
- Plain English: Imaging Tests for Heart Disease (ACC)
- Spanish: Pruebas de Imágenes para la enfermedad cardíaca
- Repetitive ultrasound exams may not be necessary.
- Plain English: Imaging Tests for Ovarian Cysts (ACR)
- Spanish: Pruebas de imágenes para quistes ováricos
- Some people receive the treatment even though they don’t need it.
- English: Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy (AAAAI)
- An ICD helps the heart beat normally. But if you are near death, those shocks can make things worse.
- Plain English: Implanted Heart Devices at the End of Life (AAHPM)
- Spanish: Dispositivos cardíacos implantados al final de la vida
- Here are four important tests and treatments you should carefully discuss with your family and doctor
- Plain English: Kidney Disease (ASN)
- Spanish: Enfermedad Renal Crónica
- Most healthy people don't need blood or urine tests done before surgery, especially low-risk surgery. Here's why.
- Plain English: Lab Tests Before Surgery (ASCP)
- Spanish: Pruebas de laboratorio antes de una cirugía
- There are two blood tests for Lyme disease, but usually you don't need them. Here's why.
- Plain English: Lyme Disease Tests (ACR)
- Spanish: Pruebas para la Enfermedad de Lyme
- Most people don't need to have their blood tested or their heart checked before they have eye surgery. Here's why.
- Plain English: Medical Tests Before Eye Surgery (AAO)
- Spanish: Pruebas médicas antes de una cirugía de ojo
- Often, pre-operative tests are not necessary. It is not a good idea to get them just because you’re having surgery.
- Plain English: Medical Tests Before Surgery - When You Need Them, and When You Don't
- Spanish: Pruebas médicas antes de una cirugía
- Sometimes antibiotic eardrops are safer and more effective than oral antibiotics.
- Plain English: Oral Antibiotics for Ear Infections (AAO-HNSF)
- Spanish: Antibióticos orales para las infecciones del oído
- If you suffer from high blood pressure, heart failure, or kidney disease, steer clear of some pain relievers.
- Plain English: Painkiller Choices with Kidney or Heart Problems (ASN)
- Spanish: Medicinas para el dolor
- With palliative care, you can get physical, emotional, and spiritual support at any stage of a serious illness.
- Plain English: Palliative Care (AAHPM)
- Spanish: Cuidados Paliativos
- Many teenage girls and some women have the test when they don’t need it. Here’s why.
- Plain English: Pap Tests
- Spanish: Pruebas de Papanicolaou
- You usually don’t need a Pap test and pelvic exam before getting birth control pills.
- Plain English: Pelvic Exams and Pap Tests Before Contraceptives (AAFP)
- Spanish: Exámenes pélvicos, exámenes de Papanicolau y anticonceptivos orales
- If you've been treated for cancer, you may not need PET scans to check for a return of the cancer.
- Plain English: PET Scans After Cancer Treatment (ASCO)
- Spanish: Tomografías (PET scans) después del tratamiento contra el cáncer
- Watch out for two overused hospital medical practices, urinary catheters and ulcer drugs.
- Plain English: Preventing Infections in the Hospital (SHM)
- Spanish: Cómo prevenir las infecciones en el hospital
- The PSA screening test is widely used, but often is not needed.
- Plain English: PSA Test for Prostate Cancer (AAFP)
- Spanish: La prueba de sangre PSA para detectar cáncer de próstata
- Ultrasound and the CA-125 blood test are not useful for screening low-risk women for ovarian cancer.
- Plain English: Screening Tests for Ovarian Cancer (SGO)
- Spanish: Exámenes de detección para el cáncer de ovario
- It’s important to know which tests you need, and how often you need them.
- Plain English: Screening Tests: When You Need Them, When You Don't
- If you have breast cancer, there is a newer, simpler surgery to check your lymph nodes.
- Plain English: Sentinel Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer (CoC, NAPBC)
- Spanish: Tratamiento para el cáncer de seno
- Older adults usually should try other non-drug treatments first, for insomnia and anxiety.
- Plain English: Sleeping Pills for Insomnia and Anxiety in Older People (AGS)
- Spanish: Insomnio y ansiedad en personas mayores
- Many people who need the test don’t receive it.
- Plain English: Spirometry for Asthma (AAAAI)
- Unless you're experiencing symptoms, this test usually isn't helpful in the first few years after heart bypass surgery or a stent procedure.
- Plain English: Testing after heart procedures
- Spanish: Pruebas después de procedimientos cardíacos
- If you’re having surgery, you will probably not need a heart stress test beforehand if you are healthy, active, and feeling well, or if you’re having minor surgery.
- Plain English: Stress Tests Before Surgery (SVM)
- Spanish: Pruebas de esfuerzo del corazón antes de una cirugía
- If you’re at low risk for having a heart problem, even if you have symptoms, you usually don’t need this imaging test.
- English: Stress Tests for Chest Pain (ASNC)
- The popular supplements glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate do not help relieve arthritic knees.
- Plain English: Supplements for Osteoarthritis (AAOS)
- Spanish: El tratamiento de la osteoartritis de la rodilla
- Unless you have other symptoms of low testosterone, you should think twice about the treatment. Here's why.
- Plain English: Testosterone for Erection Problems (AUA)
- Spanish: Tratamiento para los problemas de erección
- Before heart surgery, you probably don't need a breathing test or carotid ultrasound test, unless you have breathing problems or symptoms.
- Plain English: Tests Before Heart Surgery (STS)
- Spanish: Pruebas antes de una cirugía del corazón
- If you have a deep blood clot, you probably don't need a device called an IVC filter. They don't work better than blood-thinning drugs.
- Plain English: Treating Acute Blood Clots (ASH)
- Spanish: Tratamiento de coágulos sanguíneos agudos
- Most people with Peripheral Artery Disease won't benefit from surgery or angioplasty.
- Plain English: Treating Blocked Leg Arteries (SVM)
- Spanish: Tratamiento de arterias obstruidas en las piernas
- It is easy to use too much pain medicine. This can make headaches worse and cause other medical problems.
- Plain English: Treating Frequent Headaches with Pain Relievers (AHS)
- Spanish: Tratamiento de dolores de cabeza frecuentes con analgésicos
- In most cases of heartburn a PPI isn't necessary.
- Plain English: Treating Heartburn and GERD (AGA)
- If you have prostate cancer, but it poses a low risk to you, consider "watchful waiting."
- Plain English: Treating Low-Risk Prostate Cancer (ASTRO)
- Spanish: Cáncer de próstata de bajo riesgo
- Millions of people are prescribed antibiotics each year for sinusitis.
- Plain English: Treating Sinusitis
- Spanish: Cómo tratar la sinusitis
- Video: Para tratar la sinusitis
- Video: Treating sinusitis
- Millions of people are prescribed antibiotics each year for sinusitis.
- Plain English: Treating Sinusitis (AAFP)
- Spanish: Cómo tratar la sinusitis
- Video: Treating Sinusitis
- Video: Para tratar la sinusitis
- If you have insomnia, antipsychotic drugs should not be the first choice of treatment.
- Plain English: Treating Sleep Problems (APA)
- Spanish: Tratamiento de problemas del sueño
- Three procedures commonly used in the emergency room are unnecessary in many cases.
- Plain English: Unnecessary Treatments in the Emergency Room (ACEP)
- Spanish: Evite tratamientos innecesarios en la sala de emergencias
- Older adults are often tested for UTIs. But if you don’t have symptoms, the tests are not very useful.
- Plain English: Urinary Tract Infections in Older People (AGS, AMDA)
- There are several common vision tests and procedures that many children do not need.
- Plain English: Vision Care for Children (AAPOS)
- Spanish: Cuidado de la vista para los niños
- Doctors often order a blood test to measure your vitamin D, but the results are unlikely to change their advice.
- Plain English: Vitamin D Tests (ASCP)
- Spanish: Pruebas de Vitamina D
Advice for Caregivers: Treatments and Tests for Seniors
Allergy Tests (AAAAI)
Alzheimer’s Disease Testing (SNMMI)
Antibiotics for Ear Infections in Children (AAFP)
Antibiotics For Pink Eye (AAO)
Antibiotics for Respiratory Illness in Children (AAP)
Antibiotics for Urinary Tract Infections in Older People (AGS)
Antibiotics For Your Skin (AAD)
Antibiotics: When You Need Them and When You Don’t
Antipsychotic Drugs for People with Dementia (AGS)
Bed Rest for Lower-Back Pain (NASS)
Bone-Density Tests (AAFP)
Breast Biopsy (CoC)
Cancer Tests and Treatments (ASCO)
Cardiac Imaging (ASNC)
Care at the End of Life for Advanced Cancer Patients (ASCO)
Carotid Artery Surgery (AAN)
Chest X-rays before surgery(ACR)
Cholesterol Drugs for People Over 75 (AMDA)
Colonoscopy (AGA)
CT Scans for Children with Head Injuries (AAP)
CT Scans to Find Lung Cancer in Smokers (CHEST/ATS)
Dental Fillings that Contain Mercury (ACMT, AACT)
Drugs for Migraine Headaches (AAN)
Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis (ACR)
Drugs to Prevent Infection During Chemotherapy (ASCO)
Early Delivery (ACOG, AAFP)
Echocardiogram Before Surgery (ASE)
Echocardiograms for Valve Disease (ACC)
Echocardiography After Valve Surgery (STS)
EKGs and Exercise Stress Tests (AAFP)
Feeding Tubes for People with Alzheimer’s (AGS, AAHPM)
Five Physical Therapy Treatments You Probably Don’t Need (APTA)
Health Checkups (SGIM)
Heart Imaging Before Surgery (ACC)
Heart Stress Tests Before Chest Surgery (STS)
Heart Tests Before Surgery (ASNC)
Home Apnea Monitors for SIDs (AAP)
Home Oxygen After a Hospital Stay (CHEST/ATS)
Imaging and Blood Tests in Early Breast Cancer (ASCO)
Imaging Tests After a Heart Procedure (ACC)
Imaging Tests for Back Pain (AAFP)
Imaging Tests for Early Prostate Cancer (ASCO)
Imaging Tests for Headaches (ACR)
Imaging Tests for Heart Disease (ACC)
Imaging Tests for Ovarian Cysts (ACR)
Immunoglobulin Replacement Therapy (AAAAI)
Implanted Heart Devices at the End of Life (AAHPM)
Kidney Disease (ASN)
Lab Tests Before Surgery (ASCP)
Lyme Disease Tests (ACR)
Medical Tests Before Eye Surgery (AAO)
Medical Tests Before Surgery
Oral Antibiotics for Ear Infections (AAO-HNSF)
Painkiller Choices with Kidney or Heart Problems (ASN)
Palliative Care (AAHPM)
Pap Tests (AAFP)
Pelvic Exams and Pap Tests Before Contraceptives (AAFP)
PET Scans After Cancer Treatment (ASCO)
Preventing Infections in the Hospital (SHM)
PSA Test for Prostate Cancer (AAFP)
Screening Tests for Ovarian Cancer (SGO)
Screening Tests: When You Need Them, When You Don’t
Sentinel Node Biopsy for Breast Cancer (CoC, NAPBC)
Sleeping Pills for Insomnia and Anxiety in Older People (AGS)
Spirometry for Asthma (AAAAI)
Stress Tests After Procedures (ASNC)
Stress Tests Before Surgery (SVM)
Stress Tests for Chest Pain (ASNC)
Supplements for Osteoarthritis (AAOS)
Testosterone for Erection Problems (AUA)
Tests Before Heart Surgery (STS)
Treating Acute Blood Clots (ASH)
Treating Blocked Leg Arteries (SVM)
Treating Frequent Headaches with Pain Relievers (AHS)
Treating Heartburn and GERD (AGA)
Treating Low-Risk Prostate Cancer (ASTRO)
Treating Sinusitis (AAAAI)
Treating Sinusitis (AAFP)
Treating Sleep Problems (APA)
Unnecessary Treatments in the Emergency Room (ACEP)
Urinary Tract Infections in Older People (AGS, AMDA)
Vision Care for Children (AAPOS)
Vitamin D Tests (ASCP)
Drugs and Supplements
Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs is a public education project that provides free guidance on the safety, effectiveness and cost of drugs. Best Buy Drug Reports combine an expert review of the scientific evidence with pricing information. And our Money Saving Guides will help you navigate the world of drugs – to save money when you buy them, to talk to your doctor about your treatment options and choices, and to take drugs more safely and wisely.
Each PDF file may be read here, printed or downloaded to the user’s own device.
Best Buy Drug Reports
- Individual needs vary and people respond to antidepressants quite differently.
- English: Antidepressants
- Spanish: Antidepresivos
- Summary: Antidepressants
- Video: ¿Necesita un antidepresivo?
- We evaluate seven second-generation antihistamines in this report.
- English: Antihistamines
- Spanish: Los antihistamínicos
- Summary: Antihistamines
- Video: Best antihistamine for your allergies
- This report evaluates the use of five antiplatelet drugs.
- English: Antiplatelet Drugs
- Spanish: Medicamentos antiplaquetarios s
- Summary: Antiplatelet Drugs
- The atypical antipsychotics aren’t good first choices as add-ons to antidepressants.
- English: Antipsychotics for Depression
- Summary: Antipsychotics for Depression
- Spanish: Depresión: ¿Debería usar antipsicóticos?
- Video: Antipsychotics for depression
- This report focuses on the use of prescription medications called atypical antipsychotics by children and teenagers.
- English: Antipsychotics in Children
- Summary: Antipsychotics in Children
- Spanish: Medicamentos Antipsicóticos para Niños y Adolescentes
- Find Best Buy Drugs that are less expensive, as effective and as safe as some pricey, brand-name drugs.
- English: Best Drugs For Less
- Our analysis found no evidence that any ADHD drug is more effective than another.
- English: Drugs for ADHD
- Spanish: Trastorno de déficit de atención con hiperactividad
- Summary: Drugs for ADHD
- Video: Tratamiento del ADHD
- Video: Treating ADHD
- There is no way as yet to predict who will respond to one of the five drugs approved to treat Alzheimer's disease.
- Spanish: La enfermedad de Alzheimer
- Summary: Drugs for Alzheimer's
- Video: Medicamentos para tratar el Alzheimer
- Video: Drugs for Alzheimer's disease
- Not everyone with asthma or COPD needs an inhaled steroid.
- English: Drugs for Asthma
- Spanish: Asma
- Summary: Drugs for Asthma
- If your constipation persists for two to three weeks, you may need a drug. A variety are available.
- English: Drugs for Constipation
- Spanish: Estreñimiento
- Summary: Drugs for Constipation
- Video: Remedies to relieve constipation
- Six types of oral medicines are now available to help people control blood sugar.
- English: Drugs for Diabetes
- Spanish: Tratamiento de la diabetes tipo 2
- Summary: Drugs for Diabetes
- Video: Type 2 diabetes: Which drug is best?
- We have chosen one alpha-blocker as a Consumer Reports Best Buy Drug.
- English: Drugs for Enlarged Prostate
- Summary: Drugs for Enlarged Prostate
- Spanish: Agrandamiento de la próstata
- Video: Treating enlarged prostate
- PPIs are effective at treating GERD, but you will have to see a doctor to confirm you have the condition.
- English: Drugs for Heartburn
- Spanish: Inhibidores de la bomba de protones
- Summary: Drugs for Heartburn
- Video: Heartburn: What Works Best?
- We recommend that both prescription and nonprescription sleeping pills be used judiciously.
- English: Drugs for Insomnia
- Spanish: Insomnio
- Summary: Drugs for Insomnia
- Video: Beating insomnia
- If your frequent trips to the bathroom are interfering with your life or you're having accidents, consider medication.
- English: Drugs for Overactive Bladder
- Spanish: Vejiga hiperactiva
- Summary: Drugs for Overactive Bladder
- Many people who have not benefited from other rheumatoid arthritis drugs get some relief from biologics.
- English: Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Spanish: Los síntomas de la artritis reumatoidea
- Video: Tratamiento para la artritis reumatoide
- Make sure you understand the drug, why you're taking it, what to expect, and what to watch out for.
- English: Five Questions to Ask About a New Drug
- Muscle relaxants might help with spasticity in disorders such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis or stroke.
- English: Muscle Relaxants
- Spanish: Los relajantes musculares
- Summary: Muscle Relaxants
- Video: Treating muscle pain
- This report shows how you could save $135 a month ($1,640 a year) or more if you need to take an NSAID.
- English: NSAIDs
- Spanish: Los medicamentos antiinflamatorios no esteroideos
- Summary: NSAIDs
- Video: Best treatments for pain
- Opioids are only moderately effective in treating long-term chronic pain.
- English: Opioids
- Spanish: Los opioides
- Summary: Opioids
- How did these dangerously addictive pills turn into the most prescribed drugs in America?
- English: Prescription Painkillers: 5 Surprising Facts
- If you have osteoporosis, here is how to choose a drug to prevent bone fractures, considering effectiveness, safety and price.
- English: Preventing Bone Fractures in Osteoporosis
- There are seven statins, but they're not all the same. Some deliver a greater reduction in cholesterol than others.
- English: Statins
- Spanish: Estatinas
- Summary: Statins
- Video: Choosing a statin drug
- If diet and exercise alone do not help enough, then you should consider adding a blood pressure drug.
- Plain English: Treating High Blood Pressure
- Spanish: Cómo Tratar la Hipertensión
- If nonprescription pain relievers don't work for you, the next step may be a triptan.
- English: Triptans for Migraine
- Spanish: Los triptanos
Antidepressants
Antihistamines
Antiplatelet Drugs
Antipsychotics for Depression
Antipsychotics in Children
Best Drugs For Less
Drugs for ADHD
Drugs for Alzheimer’s
Drugs for Asthma
Drugs for Constipation
Drugs for Diabetes
Drugs for Enlarged Prostate
Drugs for Heartburn
Drugs for Insomnia
Drugs for Overactive Bladder
Drugs for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Five Questions to Ask About a New Drug (poster)
Muscle Relaxants
NSAIDs
Opioids
Prescription Painkillers: 5 Surprising Facts
Preventing Bone Fractures in Osteoporosis
Statins
Treating High Blood Pressure
Triptans for Migraine
Money Saving Guides
- The big difference is that generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
- English: Generic Drugs
- Spanish: Medicamentos genéricos
- Video: El mismo medicamento por menos dinero
- There are things you can do to save money on drugs—and sometimes a lot of money.
- English: Getting the Best Price
- Spanish: Cómo obtener el mejor precio
- Video: Cómo obtener el mejor precio en medicinas
- The best way to make sure you are taking the right drugs is to review all your drugs with your doctors periodically.
- English: Managing Multiple Medicines
- Spanish: Múltiples medicamentos
- Video: Cómo manejar múltiples medicamentos
- Using your plan’s formulary will help you save money on your drugs.
- English: Medication Formularies
- Spanish: Formulario de su plan de salud:
- One in five prescriptions in the U.S. is for a use not approved by the FDA.
- English: Off-Label Drug Use
- Spanish: Usos no aprobados
- Video: Off-label prescription drugs
- Do you need help paying for prescription drugs? You may qualify for a Prescription Assistance Program (PAP).
- English: Prescription Assistance Programs
- Spanish: Programas de Asistencia para Medicamentos Recetados
- Both the label and the information sheet tell you important safety information.
- English: Reading Labels
- Spanish: Cómo leer etiquetas
- Video: Cómo leer etiquetas de su medicina
- Video: Understanding prescription drug labels
- Tell your doctor about any previous unpleasant side effects, allergies, or bad reactions.
- English: Side Effects
- Spanish: Efectos secundarios
- Video: Los efectos secundarios
- Many doctors and health authorities are advising this strategy with more and more medicines.
- English: Splitting Pills
- Spanish: División de tabletas
- Every time you get a new drug, make sure you understand why you are taking it and how to take it.
- English: Starting a New Drug
- Spanish: Cómo comenzar con un nuevo medicamento
- Video: Cómo comenzar un nuevo medicamento
- If you skip doses, take less than the full dose, or stop too soon, the drug may not work properly. Taking too much of a drug can also harm you.
- English: Taking Your Medication as Directed
- Spanish: Tome los medicamentos según las indicaciones
- Video: Tomar las medicinas según las indicaciones
Generic Drugs
Getting the Best Price
Managing Multiple Medicines
Medication Formularies
Off-Label Drug Use
Prescription Assistance Programs
Reading Labels
Side Effects
Splitting Pills
Starting a New Drug
Taking Your Medication as Directed
From Consumer Reports magazine
- What you don't know about these 12 ingredients can hurt you.
- English: Dangerous Supplements
Dangerous Supplements
Doctors and Hospitals
These special reports from Consumer Reports magazine address important issues confronting healthcare consumers and their families.
Each PDF file may be read here, printed or downloaded to the user’s own device.
- When you need that cancer screening test -- and when you don't.
- English: Cancer Tests and Treatments
- What you don't know about these 12 ingredients can hurt you.
- English: Dangerous Supplements
- Hospitals can lower the risk, but many fail to act.
- English: Deadly Infections
- The next ‘doctor’ you see might be a nurse practitioner. Here's a guide to who you can expect to see in a white coat, and how they can help you.
- English: Dr. Who?
- Cardiac care is a money-making machine that too often favors profit over science.
- English: Healing Hearts
- Patient-centered medical homes seek to provide comprehensive, continuous, well-coordinated care to patients.
- English: Medical Homes
- Here's why healthcare prices, for the same service, in the same town, vary so widely.
- English: The Real Cost of Care
- How to strengthen the doctor-patient relationship.
- English: What Doctors Wish Their Patients Knew
- Here are 10 procedures to think twice about during your pregnancy.
- English: What to Reject When You’re Expecting
- Spanish: Qué debe rechazar cuando está embarazada